Persija Jakarta Brings Gustavo Franca, Completes Central Line In Super League 2025/2026

JAKARTA - Persija Jakarta officially brought in Brazilian midfielder Gustavo Franca. Its presence is expected to strengthen the Kemayoran Tigers to navigate the 2025/2026 Super League.

The Kemayoran Tigers brought along Gustavo Franca from Brazilian club Londrina PR. Before moving to Jakarta, Gustavo recorded 25 appearances with four goals and one assist during the 2025 season.

"I am ready and very excited to wear the Persija jersey. I can't wait to meet Jakmania at the stadium."

"To Jakmania, first of all I want to thank you for the welcome and energy. I promise to fight hard to the end and score goals and assists. I am very sure we will succeed together," said Franca, quoted from Persija's official statement, Monday, July 17, 2025.

Franca is expected to be the organizer of the attack in Persija's midfield as well as enrich the variation of the game of Mauricio Souza's new coach's team.

Before joining Persija, Franca spent most of his career in Brazilian competitions, including defending teams such as Corinthians, Metropolitano, America RJ, Parana, Portuguesa, ABC FC, Figueirense, and Guarani. He also had a career in Europe with Floriana FC in the Malta League.

Recruited to strengthen the mid-sector, Franca is known as a midfielder with a good vision of playing and has the ability to distribute balls and execute dead balls.

For Persija, Franca's presence is a complement to the puzzle in midfield. Management also hopes that Franca's presence can bring stability and creativity to the midfield, as well as become additional strength in pursuing targets in domestic competitions.

Franca became one of the foreign players who had been recruited by the Kemayoran Tigers ahead of the inaugural Super League season, a new competition that replaced Liga 1 format starting in 2025/2026.

Previously, Persija had also brought in Jordi Amat, Fabio Calonego, and Van Basty Sousa in the latest transfer market.